Xcel Energy Inc. has won federal regulators’ approval to boost output at its Monticello nuclear power plant.

The Minneapolis-based utility said Tuesday the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved its application to increase the plant’s output, from 600 megawatts to 671 megawatts.

Xcel Energy says in the next month, operators will begin slowly increasing power at the plant, located about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

The St. Cloud Times reported the company also is waiting for an NRC decision next spring that would allow it more flexibility before the plant starts producing a full 671 megawatts.

The Monticello plant currently generates about 10 percent of the electricity Xcel Energy provides customers in its Upper Midwest service territory.

As you comment, please be respectful of other commenters and other viewpoints. Our goal with article comments is to provide a space for civil, informative and constructive conversations. We reserve the right to remove any comment we deem to be defamatory, rude, insulting to others, hateful, off-topic or reckless to the community. See our full terms of use here.

Ten years ago, Wisconsinite Helen McCombie decided to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s red kettle for 30 hours straight, raising $15,000. She continued the tradition for two more years before passing it on to others. This year, the Salvation Army in western Wisconsin hopes the bell-ringing marathoners will bring in $75,000 to help save its homeless shelters, which...

BENSON, Minn. — Minnesota’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death of a man who died last week after a fall at the Benson Power plant in west-central Minnesota. Almost a week later, the police have not yet released the name of the man, though family members have been notified. The investigation into the incident is ongoing with...

A blind, potbellied pig found abandoned in southern Minnesota will get a second chance at life at an animal rescue in North Dakota. Alison Smith, owner of Kitty City animal rescue, took in Wanda the pig, who was found deserted at a residence in Albert Lea, Minn. A volunteer with Kitty City made the more than 500-mile trek last weekend...

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans’ decision to eliminate the state’s minimum hunting age has created an embarrassing perception that infants are roaming the state’s woods with guns and could allow adults to kill more animals using young children’s tags, a state Department of Natural Resources board member said Tuesday. Board member Frederick Prehn told agency officials during a review of...

Target plans to boost its same-day delivery capability by paying $550 million for Shipt, its latest move to try to catch up with Amazon. Shipt, which charges members $99 a year, sends people out to choose and deliver groceries from stores. Target said Wednesday that it will add more products to the service next year, such as home goods and...